The U.S. Postal Service is sponsoring a referendum to allow people to choose between two versions of an Elvis stamp-a young Elvis or an older, plumper Elvis. I urge everyone to vote ”plump Presley” because an Elvis Presley stamp should remind Americans alcohol and other drug use can be fatal. Elvis was one of the nation`s most popular singers, but he died as a result of his abuse of alcohol and prescription drugs. Perhaps if the stamp depicting him in the late stages of his disease goes into circulation, it can serve as a symbol that legal drug abuse can kill.
There is a daily fight to convince Americans that alcohol and other drug abuse are hurting the nation badly. It has been difficult to secure funding at the state and federal level to expand prevention programs; this stamp is clearly a step backward.
The Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association represents more than 100 community-based drug and alcohol treatment and prevention programs throughout Illinois. The association conducts a number of advocacy and education programs, including the national award-winning Illinois Teen Institute, aimed at helping teen leaders learn how to use positive peer pressure to combat drug and alcohol abuse.
I urge everyone to join in the ”Plump Presley” movement.